Imagine you’re driving alone in your car, going about your daily business, when suddenly you feel the car behaving strangely, maybe even hear a popping sound from under the wheels. You get out of the car and discover a flat tire. Don’t panic, it’s not the end of the world. You can take your car to a WEBER-AUTO service center for tire fitting, or roll up your sleeves and change the flat tire yourself.)
List of tools for changing a tire
Make sure you always have a basic set of tools on hand. To complete the job quickly and, most importantly, safely and correctly, you will need:
- a flat-head screwdriver
- a jack with a crank handle
- a socket wrench of the correct size
- several wheel chocks
- a reflective triangle
- and, of course, a spare tire in good condition.
You may also need some general-purpose lubricant, such as WD40. A luminous vest, a flashlight if you have to work in the dark, a pair of gloves, and an old mat to keep your hands and knees clean would also come in handy.
How to Change a Car Tire – Step-by-Step Instructions
Now that you’re properly prepared, check out the step-by-step instructions for changing a flat or damaged tire.
Pull over to the side of the road. If the tire goes flat while you’re driving, turn on your hazard lights and slow down to 8 km/h. Choose the nearest convenient and safe spot on the side of the road, away from heavy traffic. If this isn’t possible, at least find a spot where your car is clearly visible.
Remember: never try to change a tire in the emergency lane, it’s extremely dangerous! Park on a level surface. After you park, make sure the car is on a flat surface. Do not attempt to change a tire on an uneven surface.
Set the handbrake, engage first gear, or put the car in “park,” depending on the type of transmission. Place chocks under the wheels, in front and behind the wheel diagonally opposite the one being repaired. For example, if the front tire on the passenger side is flat, place chocks around the rear wheel on the driver’s side.
After this, install a reflective triangle 20 meters behind the car. The location of the sign depends on the type of road you are on. If the road is winding, for example, place it in a place where it can be seen by approaching drivers.
You can also open the hood for the same purpose, so other drivers can see that you are repairing something.
Remove the wheel cover. Make sure the spare tire is ready and in good condition and that you have all the necessary tools. Using the tools, remove the wheel cover, if there is one.
Then loosen the nuts by unscrewing them counterclockwise. It is easier and simpler to do this before raising the car with the jack. Do not remove the nuts, just loosen them until they can be tightened by hand. If necessary, apply lubricating oil to each nut. If you have lock nuts, you will also need a key for them.
Installing the jack
Determine the location of the jack on the car. If in doubt, check the owner’s manual; precision is essential. If you install the jack incorrectly, it can damage the underside of the car when you start raising it.
Raise the car high enough to install the spare tire.
REMEMBER: Never lie under a car that is raised on a jack!
Installing a New Tire
Now remove the lug nuts completely and put them in a safe place so they do not get lost. Remove the flat tire and place it on the ground. Install the new tire and tighten the lug nuts partway, just enough to keep the new tire from falling out. Secure the wheel. Lower the car and only after it is on the ground, remove the jack.
Now tighten the lug nuts using a wrench, turning it clockwise. Tighten the nuts in pairs diagonally – for example, if you tightened the nut at 10 o’clock, tighten the next one at 4 o’clock, and so on until they are tight enough.
Finishing
Reinstall the wheel rim and put away the tools. You won’t get a medal for speed, so take your time, drive off slowly. The old wheel will need to be repaired as soon as possible.
If you discover more serious faults with your car while replacing a flat tire, please contact our tire service center WEBER-AUTO for professional wheel repair assistance.
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WEBER-AUTO Car Service
194044, St. Petersburg
Neyshlotskiy Pereulok, Building 5, Building 3
District: Vyborgsky
Metro: Vyborgskaya – 800 m.
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Open seven days a week, from 9:00 to 21:00.
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sto@veberauto.ru
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8 (812) 321-00-00
